July 30, 2013

The students that we teach are known as “Digital Natives” by Prensky (2001). We on the other hand, are referred to as the “Immigrants.” They were born in the 21st century. We were born in the 20th century. We teach the way we learned. So, many of us are still using 20th century ways to teach in the 21st century. I am not suggesting that we throw out all of those ways. But, WE MUST add to them. We must expand our own repertoires of teaching. We must learn some new ways. We must step into the 21st century.

I had the honor of working with Heidi Hayes Jacobs for years at Columbia during the summers. She would always tell teachers to upgrade just 1 thing in their classrooms- Just 1. I think that works. That way, we don’t become overwhelmed and and simultaneously we don’t underwhelm our students with our teaching. Learn just 1 new thing that reflects that we live, learn and teach in the 21st century.

Here are 5 great sites to get you started!

#1: Have the students watch or make a glog: (check out the glogopedia to get ideas)

#2: Have the students watch or make an animoto as a hook into a lesson.

There are a variety of workstations that you can set up throughout the year. But, there are 4 must have workstations that you should set up all year long. Why? Because these workstations allow students to engage in distributed practice throughout the year on the basic skills and content for their grade level. I am going to list the stations below and during the next couple of weeks. I will write extensively about these stations and how to use them.

Workstation 1: Fluency – You need a fluency station that is leveled and allows students to review facts they know and practice facts that they are working on.

Workstation 2: Word Problems- Remember in the CCSSM there are specific word problem types assigned to each grade level. Do you currently take this into account? Do you know what types your students have proficiency with?

Workstation 3: Vocabulary – Math is a language. If you want your students to speak it, they must know the words and phrases.

Workstation 4: Digital – Our students are called Digital Natives and we are called the Immigrants by Prensky(2001). How is this reflected in your math workstations.

I look forward to a wonderful discussion about workstations with you in the next couple of weeks!

Here is a very interesting guided math video. Look at the student desks and the guided math group table! Wow! These are really great! I haven’t seen these before.

Also, notice the variety of ways this teacher uses technology. You don’t have to use the programs he names, there are plenty of free programs. The idea of using technology for math workshop in all of these different ways is fascinating and shows how engaged and targeted digital workstation practice can be.

The CCSS Math Practice 5 talks about different tools that students will use to solve problems. Here is a great digital tool from the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives that helps students to learn and practice division using the area model.

Here are some great resource to teach volume. I We have to try and use a variety of ways to teach volume so that the students get it. Think of at least 5 different ways to approach it using the theory of Multiple Intelligences. Remember that volume is a 5th grade critical area.

Factors and Multiples trip kids up! Teach it throughout the year. Integrate it into your daily routines…find the factors and the multiples of the number of the day… Also, set up some of the games in your computer center. Furthermore, do different math activities. The activities listed below can be used in guided math lessons as well as guided math centers. Here are some ways to get started:

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